fabric

noun

fab·ric | \ ˈfa-brik

How to pronounce fabric (audio)

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Definition of fabric

1a : structure, building

b : underlying structure : framework the fabric of society

2 : an act of constructing : erection specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building

3a : structural plan or style of construction

b : texture, quality —used chiefly of textiles

c : the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other

4a : cloth sense 1a

b : a material that resembles cloth

5 : the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about fabric

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Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community

Recent Examples on the Web

And in short order, large-scale migration from the region resumed, rupturing families and the communal fabric. — Kirk Semple, New York Times, "Mexican Opium Prices Plummet, Driving Poppy Farmers to Migrate," 7 July 2019 The duo even collaborated with textile artist Aliki van der Kruijs to airbrush purple pigments onto the dead-stock fabrics. — Kristen Bateman, Teen Vogue, "Schueller de Waal Turned Their Couture Week Show Into A Street Cleanup in The Name Of Fashion Therapy," 3 July 2019 Like the Homecoming suit, this new number is made of a stretchy white fabric that’s then printed and dyed for texture and color. — Devan Coggan, EW.com, "Spider-Man: Far From Home costume designer breaks down Spidey and Mysterio's new looks," 2 July 2019 Warmer weather calls for lightweight fabrics, and that style principle extends to her taste in accessories. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Look Is Money: How Fashion Influencers Get Dressed Part 2," 1 July 2019 The patio sits beneath some fabric for a little shade and there is often a food truck to pair with your Crabby Neighbor. — The Know Staff, The Know, "The coolest patios and rooftops to eat and drink on in the Front Range," 27 June 2019 The handloomed fabrics were from the late 1800s, a part of the family’s history. — Brenda Yenke, cleveland.com, "Back to Our Roots antique show returns to Medina: Yenke Peddler antiques," 27 June 2019 Blue fabric is draped along the ceiling of the dance floor. — Delaney Strunk, CNN, "How a diversity prom allows LGBTQ students to be their authentic selves," 23 June 2019 Think boutique quality folk art and one-of-a-kind items made from wood, metal, glass, ceramics and fabrics made into gifts and home décor items. — Maria Halkias, Dallas News, "Retail Therapy: If Etsy.com had stores and why tech is now a section at crafts retailer Michaels," 21 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fabric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for fabric

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh₂) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *dhabh-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

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Dictionary Entries near fabric

Statistics for fabric

Last Updated

10 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for fabric

The first known use of fabric was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for fabric

fabric

noun

English Language Learners Definition of fabric

: woven or knitted material

: the basic structure of something

See the full definition for fabric in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fabric

noun

fab·ric | \ ˈfa-brik

\

Kids Definition of fabric

1 : cloth sense 1

2 : the basic structure the fabric of society

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